Squatting should be a criminal offence throughout the UK. It is in Scotland. Anyone leaving their house empty, such as going on holiday, could return to find the house occupied by strangers and it takes months and cost through the courts to evict them. To add insult to injury the property can be left in a deplorable state. currently the police cannot get involved as it is a civil matter. This issue needs urgent attention. Think how you would feel being deprived of the use of your property and belongings which you have worked hard over many years to establish. Every MP worth their salt should support this petition.

I totally agree. I never tell anyone if I'm going to be away……………….squatters are such a frightening thought

One thing that puzzles me. I am chasing a tenant and her guarantor for unpaid rent and the police won't get involved as they say a contract was involved and the matter is now civil. How is it that squatters are a civil matter as there is clearly no contract involved and the squatters are damaging property and depriving the rightful owner of his/her home?

Burglary, damage, intimidation, etc etc – not criminal???? So what happens if I go to Tesco, damage a packet of cornflakes and intimidate the shop assistant who tries to apprehend me and then calls the police ? Don't think I'd get the 'not getting involved' response from them somehow.

Can't see what the difference is myself. Squatters should be treated as the common criminals that they are and charged with all the associated crimes. It would be interesting to have a reply from someone in the Police, to explain their lack of action in these instances.